Traveler who has traveled the world for 20 years shares his reasons for returning to Hanoi

A former tennis player, she traveled solo at age 15 to compete. Although her dreams of becoming a professional tennis player are behind her, she has spent the years since traveling solo to countless cities and every continent — for both work and pleasure. "I find traveling solo to be one of the most rewarding and empowering experiences a person can have," she told Insider .

Below is a shortlist of some of her favorite cities that she has traveled to solo, but also places she would return to with friends.

Michelle Gross in Japan

Okinawa, Japan

Having traveled solo in Japan several times over the years, from hot springs in Beppu to food tours in Osaka, she finds getting around Japan by bus and train extremely safe and efficient, which is why she considers it an ideal solo travel destination. This year, she traveled solo to Okinawa for the first time.

Less than a two-hour flight from Tokyo, this subtropical island is designated a Blue Zone and boasts some of the most beautiful scenery and kindest people she has ever met. Ideal for adventure lovers and anyone interested in spirituality, history, hiking, diving and the great outdoors, she would return for the safety and kindness of the locals.

Okinawa seascape

Bad Ragaz, Switzerland

Switzerland has always had a reputation for being a safe destination for solo travelers, and after spending 10 days traveling around Switzerland by train, she can confirm that reputation is true. When visiting Bad Ragaz, she felt extremely safe, which is always a top priority for her as a solo traveler.

Home to some of the best natural spas and hot springs in the world , Bad Ragaz is a quiet and idyllic spa town. She loved hiking around the Pizol mountain lake and would return alone. Her stay at a traditional thermal hotel in the town was still the best spa experience she has ever had.

Hanoi, Vietnam

Flower trucks bring autumn on the streets of Hanoi

"I spent most of the summer a few years ago backpacking around Southeast Asia. I had never been to the area before and was very nervous about going there alone for the first time. I'm so glad I overcame that fear.

I challenged myself in ways I never thought I would and the experience was rewarding. I spent most of my time alone in Hanoi. I spent less than a few dollars a day on meals and loved Vietnamese iced coffee. In addition to the cost savings of traveling alone in this place, I found the locals to be extremely friendly.

I have been to Hanoi alone twice and would not hesitate to visit this peaceful city again. However, no matter where I visit, I always check travel advisories and share my services with close friends and family," she shared.

Michelle Gross poses with a street vendor in Hanoi.

Dublin, Ireland

She had been to Ireland before with her family and was excited to return to experience the place in her own way.

One of her favorite things to do when traveling solo here (or anywhere) is to pop into a pub for a pint. She finds people in Ireland incredibly approachable and always up for a chat, which is one of the many reasons she returns to the city solo.

Dublin City

Phuket, Thailand

She first went to Phuket, Thailand on a solo business trip. There, she had a great time practicing yoga, visiting the monkey temple, and enjoying delicious Thai food.

Phuket is a popular party and honeymoon destination, so she won't be returning alone, but with her partner or a few friends. Many of the luxury resorts on the beach, including Sri Panwa where she stayed, cater to couples and families.

Istanbul, Türkiye

Michelle Gross lived and worked in Istanbul, Türkiye for several months during her graduate studies, and it remains one of the most formative experiences of her adult life. She loves her neighborhood and apartment in Beşiktaş and spends most of her weekends exploring the city and greater Türkiye.

Istanbul has changed significantly in the years since she lived there, and although she considered traveling solo to Istanbul again, she would not be comfortable traveling around the country on her own due to ongoing safety issues.

Source link: https://thanhnien.vn/du-khach-20-nam-vi-vu-khap-the-gioi-chia-se-ly-do-quay-lai-ha-noi-185230925161205616.htm